A superlative big-race performance by Brendan Brackan in the Topaz Mile saw teenage riding sensation Colin Keane thrust into the limelight at Galway last night.

Day 2 of the Ballybrit festival was defined by three gambled-on winners trained in Co Meath and it was the 18-year-old apprentice's brilliantly cool handling of Brendan Brackan that got the ball rolling in the valuable showpiece. Footprint and Busted Tycoon later justified substantial morning support from the Royal County, sending a swelled crowd of 18,248 home happy after a similarly profitable opening day.